Lift Gate with Inductive Coupling Platform

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/771,258, filed Apr. 22, 2022, which is a 35 U.S.C § 371 National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT/US2020/059056, filed Nov. 5, 2020, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/930,671, filed Nov. 5, 2019, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

The invention relates generally to vehicle lift gates, and more particularly to power transmission for a lift gate platform.

Lifts such as lift gates and accompanying lift platforms are typically mounted at a structure such as an opening at a rear of a vehicle to lift payloads on the lift platform from one level (e.g., ground level) up to another level (e.g., the bed of the vehicle), or vice versa. The operation of a lifting mechanism may rotate the lift platform into an inverted, stowed position beneath the vehicle body. Actuators, such as hydraulic actuators and electric actuators, are used to provide lifting force for moving the lift platform.

An inductive coupling platform system may include: an inductive coupling lift gate platform comprising: a first segment; a second segment, where the second segment may be configured to rotate relative to the first segment between a folded position and an unfolded position, where the first segment may be in-line with the second segment in the unfolded position; at least one primary inductive coupling component disposed in at least a portion of the first segment; and at least one receiver inductive coupling component disposed in at least a portion of the second segment; where inductive contact may be provided between the at least one primary inductive coupling component and the at least one receiver inductive coupling component in the unfolded position; and where at least one of: power and data may be transmitted via the inductive contact between the at least one primary inductive coupling component and the at least one receiver inductive coupling component in the unfolded position.

Additional system embodiments may further include: a lift gate, where the lift gate comprises the inductive coupling lift gate platform. Additional system embodiments may further include: a vehicle, where the lift gate may be connected at a rear of the vehicle. Additional system embodiments may further include: at least one battery of the vehicle; and a first wire, where the first wire may be connected between the at least one battery and the at least one primary inductive coupling component, and where power may be transmitted from the at least one battery to the at least one primary inductive coupling component via the first wire.

Additional system embodiments may further include: at least one lighting device; and a second wire, where the second wire may be connected between the at least one receiver inductive coupling component and the at least one lighting device, and where power may be transmitted from the at least one receiver inductive coupling component to the at least one primary inductive coupling component via the second wire. In additional system embodiments, at least a portion of the first wire may be disposed in one or more support members of the first segment of the inductive coupling lift gate platform. In additional system embodiments, at least a portion of the second wire may be disposed in one or more support members of the second segment of the inductive coupling lift gate platform.

In additional system embodiments, the at least one primary inductive coupling component may be embedded in a first cavity of the first segment. In additional system embodiments, the at least one receiver inductive coupling component may be embedded in a second cavity of the second segment.

Another inductive coupling platform system may include: an inductive coupling lift gate platform comprising: a first segment; a second segment, where the second segment may be configured to rotate relative to the first segment between a folded position and an unfolded position, where the first segment may be in-line with the second segment in the unfolded position; a first inductive coupler disposed proximate a first side of the inductive coupling lift gate platform; a second inductive coupler disposed proximate a second side of the inductive coupling lift gate platform, where the first side may be distal from the second side of the inductive coupling lift gate platform; where inductive contact may be provided for the first inductive coupler and the second conductive coupler in the unfolded position.

In additional system embodiments, inductive contact may be broken for the first inductive coupler and the second conductive coupler in the folded position. In additional system embodiments, the first inductive coupler further comprises: a primary inductive coupling component disposed in at least a portion of the first segment; and a receiver inductive coupling component disposed in at least a portion of the second segment.

Additional system embodiments may further include: a lift gate, where the lift gate comprises the inductive coupling lift gate platform; at least one battery; and a first wire, where the first wire may be connected between the at least one battery and the primary inductive coupling component, and where power may be transmitted from the at least one battery to the primary inductive coupling component via the first wire. Additional system embodiments may include: at least one lighting device; and a second wire, where the second wire may be connected between the receiver inductive coupling component and the at least one lighting device, and where power may be transmitted from the receiver inductive coupling component to the primary inductive coupling component via the second wire.

In additional system embodiments, at least a portion of the first wire may be disposed in one or more support members of the first segment of the inductive coupling lift gate platform. In additional system embodiments, at least a portion of the second wire may be disposed in one or more support members of the second segment of the inductive coupling lift gate platform.

Another inductive coupling platform system may include: a rail; and a trunnion tube, where the trunnion tube may be configured to slide along the rail; an inductive lift gate platform connected to the trunnion tube, where the trunnion tube may be configured to slide from a stowed position to an active position; a primary inductive coupling component disposed at a fixed position on the rail; a receiver inductive coupling component disposed on the trunnion tube, where the receiver inductive coupling component moves with the trunnion tube as the trunnion tube slides relative to the rail; where inductive contact may be provided between the primary inductive coupling component and the receiver inductive coupling component in the active position.

In additional system embodiments, the inductive lift gate platform may be below a vehicle in the stowed position, and where the inductive lift gate platform may be extended from the vehicle in the active position. In additional system embodiments, the lift gate platform comprises two or more segments. In additional system embodiments, a first segment of the two or more segments may be a main platform section, and where a second segment of the two or more segments may be a flip over section.

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the embodiments discloses herein and is not meant to limit the concepts disclosed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the description as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

An inductive coupling platform system includes a first segment of the lift gate having a primary inductive coupling component and a second segment with at least one receiver inductive coupling component. When the lift gate is in a stored position, the primary inductive coupling component and the at least one receiver inductive coupling component are not in contact. As the lift gate unfolds to a working position, the primary inductive coupling component contacts the at least one receiver inductive coupling component, which allows for direct power transmission from a battery, such as the vehicle's battery, connected to the first segment of the lift gate to an accessory, such as a light, connected to the second segment of the lift gate. In some embodiments, the inductive coupling effect may occur anywhere on the system. In some embodiments, the inductive coupling may occur on the sliding mechanism. In other embodiments, the inductive coupling may occur on the platform. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed anywhere on the track and/or platform.

The disclosed connection between the primary inductive coupling component and the at least one receiver inductive coupling component may eliminate the need for sensors and/or batteries inside the accessory and/or may provide more consistent output of the accessory. For example, a light may turn on automatically when the lift gate is in the working condition and turn off when the lift gate is in a stored position. Whether power is transmitted from the battery to the primary inductive coupling component, to the at least one receiver inductive coupling component, and to the accessory depends on the state of the lift gate in either a worked or stored position. Alternatively, the disclosed connection between the primary inductive coupling component and the at least one receiver inductive coupling component may be used in conjunction with sensors and/or batteries inside the accessory for additional purposes. For example, sensors inside the accessory, such as a flashing light, may include a daylight detection sensor. The daylight detection sensor may increase power transmission to the lights through the inductive couplers to increase brightness. Alternatively, the daylight detection sensor may impede power transmission to the lights if there is no need for the lights to operate during the daytime. Other sensors may be included as well, such as an accelerometer or a gyroscope. Furthermore, batteries may be included to boost amperage/power transmission. In one embodiment, the transmission capacity for the inductive coupler is 12 Watts. Other transmission capacities are possible and contemplated.

1 FIG. 100 102 102 102 With respect to, an inductive coupling platform systemfor a vehicleis illustrated. In one embodiment, the vehicleis a truck. In another embodiment, the vehiclemay be a pickup truck, service body, cargo van, trailer, or the like.

102 108 108 108 102 102 108 102 108 102 108 102 108 9 11 12 FIGS.,, and The vehiclemay have a lift gate. The lift gatemay provide for easy, safe, and cost-effective lifting of light to heavy loads. In one embodiment, the lift gatemay be mounted at a structure of the vehicle, such as an opening at the rear of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the lift gatemay serve as the rear door or tailgate of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the lift gatemay be stored on the underside of the vehicle. Other possible types of attachment of the lift gateto the vehicleare possible and contemplated. The lift gatemay be a part of a liftgate assembly, such as shown in.

108 110 110 110 110 110 110 108 102 The lift gatehas an accompanying inductive coupling lift gate platform. The lift gate platformmay include two or more segments, such as a lift gate platformhaving two segments that may be folded against one another for storage and unfolded for operation. In one embodiment, the inductive coupling lift gate platformis made of steel. In another embodiment, the inductive coupling lift gate platformis made of aluminum, or a combination of steel and aluminum. The inductive coupling lift gate platformmay lift payloads on the lift gatefrom one level (e.g., ground level) up to another level (e.g., the bed of the vehicle), or vice versa.

Inductive coupling (or “electromagnetic induction”) as disclosed herein uses magnetic fields that are a natural part of current's movement through a wire or some other conductive material, such as brass, steel or aluminum. Other possible conducting materials include semiconductors, such as silicon carbide, carbon, or graphite. Generally speaking, other coupling connections, such as pin connectors have a limited mating cycle (lifespan), while inductive couplers may function indefinitely. Inductive coupling may be “non-contact” in that the conducting component passing electrical current to a second conducting component may not be not in physical contact with the second conducting component. Rather, an air gap may be present between the inductive coupling components and allow for bidirectional transmission of electrical power and/or data across the air gap in some embodiments. In other embodiments, no air gap may be present and there may be face to face contact between the inductive coupling components.

12 13 FIGS.- The receiver coupler may be connected to any sensor that is able to convert the sensed analog signal to a digital signal. That data may then be transmitted by the couplers to a controller connected to the primary inductive coupler. For example, a receiver coupler may be connected to a motor. The motor may have a transducer that measures direction, speed, and location. This data can direction, speed, and/or location may be transmitted through the couplers to a microcontroller. This data may be used by the microcontroller to adjust the speed of deployment of the liftgate mechanism as it rolls out, such as shown in, to reduce it as the liftgate approaches fully extended or fully retracted position. This may prevent a strong impact of the liftgate against the mounting mechanism/lifting mechanism or other structural objects once the liftgate reaches the fully extended or retracted position. In one embodiment, two separate motors may be connected in the same fashion so they may be synchronized by a microcontroller. Another data source may be a pressure transducer that may be used to measure hydraulic pressure in the cylinders. Another data source may be one or more proximity sensors. Another data source may be an open/store position sensing. Another data source may be a data logger, which may be used to measure how many cycles the liftgate has. In other embodiments, various forms of digital signals may be transmitted by the couplers for the purpose of control or data logging.

2 FIG. 100 120 115 120 With respect to, the inductive coupling platform systemprovides for contactless bidirectional transmission of power and/or data across an air gapbetween inductive coupling components of an inductive coupler. The air gapmay reduce wear between the components, increase durability, reduce downtime for maintenance or replacement, and the like. In embodiments without an air gap, the disclosed benefits remain as there is no actual wire or connectors mating the two inductive couplers. Using standard pin connectors may not be feasible or maintainable in the situations disclosed herein, which is why the disclosed inductive couplers are useful.

3 FIG. 115 110 115 115 More specifically, and with respect to, each inductive couplermay be embedded in each respective portion of the inductive coupling lift gate platform. Each inductive couplermay function in a wide variety of environments, such as very low and very high humidity. Additionally, each inductive couplermay still function properly even when in contact with liquid, such as water or grease.

112 110 116 116 128 112 116 116 116 116 116 A first segmentof two or more segments of the inductive coupling lift gate platformmay include a primary inductive coupling component. The primary inductive coupling componentmay be embedded in a first cavityof the first segment. In one embodiment, the primary inductive coupling componentis made of chrome-plated brass. In one embodiment, the primary inductive coupling componentis cylindrical in shape. In another embodiment, the primary inductive coupling componentis rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, the primary inductive coupling componenthas a length of 77.1 mm and an active area diameter of 26.5 mm. Other dimensions and shapes of the primary inductive coupling componentare possible and contemplated. The active area material may be made of plastic and the housing material may be chrome-plated and made of metal, such as copper-zinc alloy (brass CuZn). In other embodiments, the housing material may be made of stainless steel.

116 104 102 122 102 104 116 116 116 116 116 In one embodiment, the primary inductive coupling componentis connected to a power supply, such as at least one batteryof the vehiclewith a connector, such as a direct flexible wire. In some embodiments, the power supply may be any DC power source in the vehicle. The batterymay provide electrical current to the primary inductive coupling component. The primary inductive coupling componentmay have a coil of wire, such as a copper wire inside of the primary inductive coupling componentfor generation of a magnetic field. As the electrical current moves through the primary inductive coupling component, a magnetic field is generated due to the conductivity of the primary inductive coupling component.

114 110 118 118 116 120 118 130 114 118 118 118 118 116 A second segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platformmay include a receiver inductive coupling component. The receiver inductive coupling componentmay be configured for receiving a contactless bidirectional transmission of power, given as voltage times current, from the primary inductive coupling componentacross the air gap. The receiver inductive coupling componentmay be embedded in a second cavityof the second segment. In one embodiment, the receiver inductive coupling componentis made of chrome-plated brass. The receiver inductive coupling componentmay have a coil of wire, such as a copper wire inside of the receiver inductive coupling componentfor the generation of a magnetic field. In one embodiment, the receiver inductive coupling componentmay have the same dimensions, shape, and/or materials as the primary inductive coupling component.

118 116 116 118 120 116 118 116 118 116 118 The mutual inductance between the receiver inductive coupling componentand the primary inductive coupling componentprovides that the current flowing through the primary inductive coupling componentinduces a voltage in the adjacent receiver inductive coupling component. The air gapbetween the primary inductive coupling componentand the adjacent receiver inductive coupling componentprovides that nearly all of the electromagnetic flux generated by the primary inductive coupling componentmay be received by the receiver inductive coupling component. Configured as such, the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentare magnetically linked together by a common magnetic flux.

120 116 118 112 114 110 110 116 118 116 118 In one embodiment, the air gapmay be approximately 7 mm in separation between the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentwhen the first segmentand the second segmentof the two or more segments of the inductive coupling lift gate platformare substantially parallel and in-line with one another in an unfolded position of the inductive coupling lift gate platform. In one embodiment, there may be an approximately 15 degree maximum angular misalignment between the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentwhile still transferring power and/or data. In one embodiment, the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentare cylindrical in shape and of equal or approximately equal length.

4 FIG. 6 6 FIGS.A-B 124 116 118 120 110 124 116 124 118 124 116 118 a,b a b a,b As shown in, interfacesof the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling component, respectively, may have a circular cross-section that may face each other for bidirectional transmission of power and/or data across the air gapwhen the inductive coupling lift gate platformis in an unfolded configuration (see). A first interfaceof the primary inductive coupling componentinteracts with the second interfaceof the receiver inductive coupling component. The mutual inductance is at least a function of the area of the cross-sections of the interfacesas well as the length of the coiled wire within each component,.

116 118 110 120 116 118 In one embodiment, the placement of the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentinside of the inductive coupling lift gate platformmay need to be adjusted if an undesired increase or decrease of the gap size of the air gapbetween the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentoccurs.

5 FIG. 112 110 114 110 116 118 With respect to, the first segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platformand the second segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platformare shown in a partially unfolded position. At this point, no inductive coupling is taking place, and hence, no power is being transferred from the primary inductive coupling componentto the receiver inductive coupling component.

112 114 116 118 104 110 6 6 FIGS.A-B As the first segmentand the second segmentare in an unfolded position, as shown in, there may be inductive contact between the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling component, allowing direct power transmission from the vehicle's battery, or any other power source on the vehicle, all the way through the inductive coupling lift gate platform.

6 FIG.B 6 FIG.A 110 190 192 116 118 110 190 192 112 114 116 118 110 116 118 112 114 110 116 118 116 118 116 118 116 118 190 192 116 118 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the inductive coupling lift gate platformofabout line B-B in the unfolded position. In some embodiments, one or more spring-loaded mechanisms,ensure that the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentseat flush against each other. In one embodiment, the inductive coupling lift gate platformmay include a spring-loaded mechanism,in each segment,, to spring load the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling component. More specifically, when the inductive coupling lift gate platformis in the folded position, the spring-loaded mechanisms may cause the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentto extend past the boundary of their respective segments,, to compensate for a potential increase in any air gap at a future time. In another embodiment, such as when the inductive coupling lift gate platformis in an unfolded position, the spring-loaded mechanisms may ensure that the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentseat flush against each other, but do not apply a force against each other, thus avoiding damage to the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling component. Therefore, the spring-loaded mechanisms would allow for the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentto find a new equilibrium position without induced pressure on internal/external components of the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling component. In one embodiment, the spring-loaded mechanism,may be a coiled spring that surrounds each respective inductive coupling component,.

118 106 106 114 110 106 106 106 106 106 106 7 FIG. 7 FIG. In one embodiment, the power transferred to the receiver inductive coupling componentmay be used to power a lighting device, as shown in. The lighting devicemay be on one or both sides of the second segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platform. In one embodiment, the power transferred to the receiver inductive coupling component may be used to power a lighting device, such as lighting deviceas shown in. The lighting devicemay be a light-emitting diode (LED) in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the lighting devicemay be any light, including, but not limited to lasers, LEDs, incandescent lights, and the like. The lighting devicemay provide a constant source of light in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the lighting devicemay flash or follow some other pattern. In some embodiments, the lighting deviceintensity and/or flashing may be based on one or more external conditions, such as an ambient light level.

8 FIG. 118 114 126 114 106 106 With respect to, a partial cutaway bottom view shows the receiver inductive coupling componentof the second segmenttransmits the electrical current through a wirethat may be fully- or partially-embedded in the second segmentto the lighting deviceto provide power to the lighting device.

116 118 106 116 118 106 116 118 110 116 118 116 118 The direct power transmission provided by the inductive couplers,may eliminate the need for sensors and batteries to be housed inside the lighting device. The direct power transmission provided by the inductive couplers,may further provide for more consistent output of the lighting device. In another embodiment, the inductive couplers,may power other devices, such as sensors and foot controls located on the inductive coupling lift gate platform. For example, the inductive couplers,may power an angle sensor, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, a transducer, and the like. The inductive couplers,may further power lasers for determining operating parameters.

122 104 122 402 112 110 402 122 116 122 402 122 122 3 FIG. A first wiremay be connected to at least one battery, such as batteryin. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first wiremay be disposed in one or more support membersof the first segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platform. For example, one or more apertures may be located in the one or more support membersto route the first wirebetween the battery and the primary inductive coupling component. Locating at least a portion of the first wirein the one or more support membersmay protect the first wireduring use and/or avoid snagging of the first wire.

116 118 120 116 118 110 116 118 3 FIG. Power and/or data may be transmitted from the primary inductive coupling componentto the receiver inductive coupling componentover an air gap, such as air gapin. In some embodiments, the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentmay be in direct contact when the inductive coupling lift gate platformis in the unfolded position. In some embodiments, one or more spring-loaded mechanisms ensure that the primary inductive coupling componentand the receiver inductive coupling componentseat flush against each other.

126 118 106 126 404 114 110 404 126 118 106 122 404 404 404 126 404 122 402 114 112 110 114 112 112 116 118 406 408 110 116 118 110 128 130 406 110 408 406 408 110 116 118 110 106 110 110 112 114 110 116 118 106 10 FIG. A second wiremay connect the receiver inductive coupling componentto the lighting device. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second wiremay be disposed in one or more support membersof the second segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platform. For example, one or more apertures may be located in the one or more support membersto route the second wirebetween the receiver inductive coupling componentand the lighting device. Locating at least a portion of the second wirein the one or more support membersmay protect the second wireduring use and/or avoid snagging of the second wire. In some embodiments, a greater portion of the second wiremay be disposed in a respective one or more support membersthan a portion of the first wiredisposed in a respective one or more frame member. The second segmentmay experience a greater range of movement as compared to the first segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platform. For example, the second segmentmay move from a folded position folded over the first segmentto an unfolded position where the second segment is substantially in-line with the first segment. While inductive couplers,are shown on both sides,of the inductive coupling lift gate platform, inductive couplers,may only be present on one side of the inductive coupling lift gate platformin some embodiments. For example, one set of inductive couplers,may be proximate a first sideof the lift gate platformand a second set of inductive couplers may be proximate a second sideof the lift gate platform. Where the first sideis distal from the second sideof the lift gate platform. In other embodiments, more than two sets of inductive couplers,may be used in the coupling lift gate platform, such as for transmitting data and/or power to one or more lighting devicesand/or sensors. For example, the coupling lift gate platformmay have a first set of inductive couplers connecting the coupling lift gate platformand a lifting mechanism, such as shown inand a second set of inductive couplers connecting the first segmentto the second segmentof the inductive coupling lift gate platform. In some embodiments, the two or more inductive couplers,may be used to provide redundant power and/or data to one or more lighting devicesand/or sensors.

9 FIG. 148 150 150 150 152 With respect to, an alternative lift gatehas an accompanying inductive coupling lift gate platform. The lift gate platformmay include two or more segments, such as a lift gate platformhaving two segments that may be folded against one another for storage and unfolded for operation. A lifting mechanismmay move the lift gate platform between a stowed position under a vehicle and an unstowed position for use.

10 FIG. 8 FIG. 150 152 154 150 156 156 154 154 156 150 With respect to, an inductive coupling lift gate platformmay be in a stowed position relative to a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may include a primary inductive coupling component, such as primary inductive coupling component. The inductive coupling lift gate platformmay include a receiver inductive coupling component, such as receiver inductive coupling component, with the receiver inductive coupling componentconfigured for receiving contactless bidirectional transmission of power, given as voltage times current, from the primary inductive coupling componentacross an air gap over via direct contact. When the folded platform assembly is deployed from the unstowed position, the two couplers,make contact. In some embodiments, the assembly also has couplers between a main section and a flip over section of the inductive coupling lift gate platformas shown and described herein, such as in.

11 FIG. 158 159 160 160 160 160 159 158 159 160 With respect to, an alternative lift gatemay include a runnerand an accompanying inductive coupling lift gate platform. The lift gate platformmay include one or more segments, such as a lift gate platformhaving one segment. The lift gate platformmay be folded against the runnerfor storage and unfolded for operation. The lift gatemay include the primary inductive coupling component and the receiver inductive coupling component described above. In one embodiment, the primary inductive coupling component may be integrated into the runner, and the receiver inductive coupling component may be integrated into the platform. The receiver inductive coupling component is again configured for receiving contactless bidirectional transmission of power, given as voltage times current, from the primary inductive coupling component across an air gap. In one embodiment, the power transferred to the receiver inductive coupling component may be used to power a lighting device.

12 13 FIGS.and 168 170 176 170 170 172 174 170 168 116 176 180 118 116 118 With respect to, yet another alternative lift gatehas an accompanying inductive coupling lift gate platformand a rail. The lift gate platformmay include two or more segments, such as a lift gate platformhaving two segments that may be folded against one another for storage and unfolded for operation. The first segment may be a main platform sectionand the second segment may be a flip over section. Additional inductive coupling components may be included in the two or more segments of the lift gate platformsuch as described above. The lift gatemay include the primary inductive coupling component and the receiver inductive coupling component described above. In one embodiment, the primary inductive coupling componentsmay be connected to the railand the receiver inductive coupling component may be connected to a trunnion tube. The receiver inductive coupling componentis again configured for receiving contactless bidirectional transmission of power, given as voltage times current, from the primary inductive coupling componentacross an air gap. In one embodiment, the power transferred to the receiver inductive coupling componentmay be used to power a foot control device.

170 180 176 170 176 180 180 180 176 116 176 118 180 In operation, as a user deploys the inductive lift gate platformfrom a stowed position (e.g., below the vehicle) to an active position (e.g., extended from the vehicle), the trunnion tuberolls, slides, and/or moves, along the railallowing for continuous inductive coupling to the lift gate platformat the extended position. The coupling effect occurs between the primary coupler on the railand the receiver coupler on the trunnion tube. The receiver coupler on the trunnion tubemay be connected to an accessory on the platform, such as a foot control. The trunnion tubemay slide along the rail. Coupling componentmay stay stationary on the rail, while coupling componentmay slide back and forth with the trunion tube.

13 FIG. 12 FIG. 13 FIG. 118 116 116 118 116 118 180 In, the coupling effect will occur only at the extended position, when coupling componentreaches the location right below coupling component. However, the respective placement of coupling components,may be varied based on a desired coupling location. In, coupling componentsandare not coupled, because the trunnion tubeis not in the extended position as shown in.

170 170 As described in previous embodiments, the direct power transmission provided by the inductive coupler may eliminate the need for sensors and batteries to be housed inside a lighting device. The direct power transmission provided by the inductive coupler may further provide for more consistent output of a lighting device. In another embodiment, the inductive coupler may power other devices, such as sensors and foot controls located on the inductive coupling lift gate platform. For example, the inductive coupler may power an angle sensor, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, a transducer, and the like. The configuration of the inductive coupling components provide for continuous inductive coupling, and, therefore, the ability to transfer power and signal wirelessly, allowing for the sensors to be placed anywhere on the lift gate platform.

It is contemplated that various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed by way of examples should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.